It’s all go for the Heineken Regatta in St. Maarten with 256 entries, including two Volvo Ocean Race winners. The event starts on Thursday 1st March, 2007, with an added day of Spinanaker racing in 7 classes. 57 boats have lined up for the new ‘Commodores Cup’ sponsored by Budget Marine on Thursday. Budget Marine Director Robbie Ferron also happens to be Race Chairman and a co-founder of the Heineken Regatta. On Friday 2nd all 256 entries will sail in 20 classes. The reggatta runs until 4th March.

Look out for the two Volvo Ocean Race winners. The 2006 winner Volvo 70 ‘ABN AMRO ONE’ will be under the command of Mike ‘Moose’ Sanderson, while John Kostecki will skipper 2002 Volvo winner ‘Illbruck’. Among the two Big Boat Classes 1 and 2 are such names as ‘Van Ki Pass’ a Carpenter 64 with varnished hull that won her class in the Bermuda-Newport Race, Swan 68 ‘Chippewa’ skippered by Clay Deutsch, favourite ‘Titan 12′ with Tom Hill, Swan 60 ‘Fenix’ and Andrew’s 70’s ‘Donnybrook’ and ‘Renagade’. Spinnaker classes 3,4,5,6 and 7 will be competitive. One of the yachts to watch is Frers 49 ‘Lagoon Marina Synergy’, a division winner of the Newport-Bermuda Race.

The Exhibition Class of 3 former America Cup 12 Meters will provide great eye candy, as will the Veterans. There are three multihull divisions with racing, cruising and the fast wild beach cats providing thrills. Two non-spinnaker classes, including the Open Class, are in contention. 105 Bareboat Entries are divided into 6 classes and include many regular Heineken Regatta entries.

However the Heineken is also know for the fun atmosphere and parties after sailing is done for the day. This year is no exception. Thursday 1st Post-Race Party will be held at the Port De Plaisance Resort with music, samba and a fashion show. On Friday 2nd the After Party is on the Broadwalk in Philipsburg where music and entertainment will take place in 3 areas. On Saturday the party moves to the Waterfront in Marigot. Soca Artist Shurwayne Winchester is to perform. On Sunday the main event will be the Prize Giving. The main entertainment attractions will be Damian Marley and Stephen Marley.

Wow! What a line up! yachtbuddy will bring updates with results and pictures. The official website is www.heinekenregatta.com . Best wishes to the competitors and organisers for good winds and fine sailing.